For years, we saw the Iraqi-Saudi relations suffering from tensions and paralysis. The policies of the former regime in Iraq were experiencing problems and tensions. The policies of the former regime in Iraq caused many troubles and led to a complete severance of the relations with the KSA. Likewise, the policies of Saudi Arabia, after the success of the change, were below the required level. Quite the contrary, there are many behaviors that contributed to the complication of the internal situation in Iraq and added more troubles to the relations between the two states. I would like to criticize the current conditions of the relations between the two states, because they are paralyzed. Iraq and Saudi Arabia are two key Arab states, due to their strategic location and power in the region. In addition, both states have joint borders and many brotherly ties. All these factors must have an influence on melting the ice between the two states, and thus restoration of the relations between those two Arab neighbors. I believe that the restoration of the Iraqi-Saudi relations will give a push to the joint Arab work. Hence, we, along with the whole Arab world, are looking forward to seeing all the Arab states enjoying good and special relations among them, in order to face the challenges of the current phase and to avoid the hazards that threaten the whole world in general and the Arab world in particular, because of terrorism and its troubles and tragedies.

The diplomatic relations between Iraq and Saudi Arabia are going through a period of indifference, neglect and failure in many aspects. In fact, these relations are deteriorating. The brotherly, neighboring Arab countries should support Iraq, especially during this ordeal. They had better promote trade, economic cooperation and tourism. They should also create many possibilities in order to promote trade. In fact, there should be significant cooperation between Iraq and great countries such as Saudi Arabia. Iraq has gone through a difficult and very hard situation. We need to provide possibilities to countries that would like to contribute to the promotion of Iraq’s economy, trade and tourism. In fact, Arab countries should also stand by Iraq in many other aspects which could strengthen the position of Iraq and benefit these nations.

Saudi Arabia is one of the important countries for Iraq, which could affect its internal issues, whether negatively or positively. We are hoping that Saudi Arabia is one of the neighboring countries that can provide a helping hand to Iraq and its people in order to alleviate and help them to overcome a lot of adversity. Unfortunately, we have all seen the Saudi role in Iraq was among the most important negative roles. We criticize it harshly for what was caused by Saudi Arabia, including the increase of pain and suffering of the Iraqi people over the past years. Saudi Arabia is among the countries that have not been able to control the terrorist elements that come to Iraq from Saudi Arabia. This also applies to many Arab countries that stood to see what is happening in Iraq because of the devastation and destruction. They were watching the daily suffering of the Iraqis because of terrorism, but they did not dare do anything. On the contrary, they increased the pain of the Iraqis with their silence. Saudi Arabia is among the countries of the region from which we were awaiting a lot of things. However, we only saw its negative positions, which not only deserve to be condemned and criticized because the Saudi role in Iraq was not honorable. It was not at the level of the aspirations of the Iraqi people, who considered Saudi Arabia as one of the Arab countries that would consider Iraq as one of its principal brothers and neighbors, and that they will help Iraq in going beyond the problems and events. Unfortunately, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and all the Arab countries did not take into account the neighboring rights or the rights of the Arab brotherhood that binds us with them.

Iraqi-Saudi relationships have been experiencing a state of severance and inactivity for more than 20 years, because of the events and problems in the region, which created all of these problems between those two great Arab states, who have strategic weight in the region. This resulted in much damage to both states, in addition to stopping many of the joint interests. Therefore, we noticed that in the recent period, the Saudis and Iraqis have started realizing the negative aspects that resulted in the severance of the relationships between the two states and the loss of many chances that could have been used to develop the economies and promote an exchange of experiences. Furthermore, the resumption of the relationships would boost the stability of the Arab region because of the status of both states. This is the reason for the importance of resuming the relations between the two neighboring states.

It seems that it will take a lot of time for the relations between Iraq and Saudi Arabia to improve. Despite the signs that have emerged over the past year by the Iraqi and Saudi sides, both are moving slowly and very carefully. The political scene is now unusual in the direction of improved relations between the two countries, especially after the need of both Iraq and Saudi Arabia to strengthen their cooperation emerged, especially in the field of security for both of them. The Saudis are obviously concerned about Iranian influence in Iraq, which represents the main cause behind the slow movement in promoting bilateral relations between the two countries. It became clear that there is a need for secure cooperation between the two that may have some taboos. After years of estrangement, mutual accusations and refused cooperation, the path that will lead to the future relations between the two countries is almost clear. There is a looming importance of cooperation and development of relations despite the obstacles. Iraq and Saudi Arabia have to submit more solutions in order to move forward in the development of relations between them and achieve security and stability relative to the region.

I think that Saudi Arabia has become afraid of the retreat of its relationships with Iraq considering the evolution of Iraq's relations with the State of Qatar. That is why it proceeded to appoint an Ambassador as a pro-active step and as a kind of competition between the two countries.

Relations between Iraq and Saudi Arabia are improving. There has been an exchange of many visits, and the most recent event is that Iraq and Saudi Arabia have made an exchange of prisoners, which was prompted by both countries. For this reason, the relationship between Iraq and Saudi Arabia is good and that the road is open between the two countries. Their relationship is at its best. Do not forget that a lot of pilgrims from Iraq will be able to go and visit in times of pilgrimage, and that Iraq and Saudi Arabia, as long as their relationship witnesses the conditions of good trade and the exchange of benefits and common interests, will have a good relationship. This is what must happen between Iraq and all of the Arab countries. Iraq maintains all of its relations in order to encourage the governor to improve the situation for everybody and because Iraq today needs a lot of support and assistance in order to stand on its own.

Because Arabs especially Saudi Arabia were too late to stand by the new Iraq, this has created a gap in relationships, paving the way for Iran to totally control Iraq by offering support for the Iraqi government. Iran's interference in the internal affairs of the Gulf States has made the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to get closer to Iraq, especially after the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.

There is no doubt that the restoration of Saudi-Iraqi relations is a good gesture towards improving the Arab atmosphere. It is worth mentioning that relations between both countries had been suspended before for several reasons, such as the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, and accusing the Iraqi government of sectarianism by Saudi Arabia, on the one hand. On the other hand, Iraqi Shiite politicians had accused Saudi Arabia of supporting violence in the country during the past years. Furthermore, the U.S.A. had been obstructing any rapprochement between the two countries because it wanted to occupy Iraq. The head of the Iraqi government announced a few days ago that Iraq is seeking to conduct a direct dialogue with Saudi Arabia to discuss stalled issues and to consolidate relations and rapprochement between the two countries. Also, an agreement has been finalized with Saudi Arabia on a new phase of security cooperation against terrorism, drugs and smuggling through borders.

Saudi Arabia and Iraq are among the most important countries in the region. In fact, these two countries have common and strong historical relationships. And they have a lot of ties, such as religion and identity. In recent years, we have witnessed a change, due to terrorists who have come from Saudi Arabia. Thus, the Iraqi government has opposed that. And Saudi Arabia has not cooperated with Iraq in the required way in order to rebuild the country. Thus, it hasn’t supported Iraq as required.

Saudi Arabia and Iraq are two sibling Arabian countries. Any major problems that may harm the two countries’ people cannot occur between them. The general relationship between the two countries is fairly good, although there are dilemmas that happen here and there. It is normal for the government of both countries to prefer advancement of its interests over the interests of others. However, these problems did not reach the stage of rupture. We Iraqis love the Saudi people and government because they are the Servants of the Two Holy Mosques. I do not think that the Saudis will think in a different way than our way of thinking and the relation between the two countries is moving forward even if it is somewhat slow. We wish that the two countries will form common committees to activate the common relations files and diplomatic representation, as well as the openness to the economic cooperation and common investments because first, we are Muslim brothers, second, we are Arabian countries, and third, Iraq and Saudi Arabia are two neighboring countries. Therefore, there should be general, political and economic relations between the two countries in order to achieve prosperity for both the Iraqi and Saudi people.